Charlie Throckmorton, whose deep, unmistakable voice has announced the Trinity Valley Exposition rodeo for the last 35 years, was surprised Thursday, Oct. 16, when he was named this year’s Old Timers Award recipient during the annual Old Timers Dinner.
Throckmorton, who will soon be inducted into the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame, thanked the organization and its members for their support through the years.
“[The rodeo] was televised last night on three major networks,” Throckmorton told the crowd. “You’ve come a long way.”
A native of Cleburne, Throckmorton began announcing rodeos while still in high school in 1970 and later joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, where he became a Gold Card member.
Over the years, he has announced at major rodeos across the country, including the National Finals Rodeo and the Texas PRCA Circuit Finals, as well as numerous state fairs and televised events.
As part of the Old Timers Award, Throckmorton was presented with a handcrafted rocking chair — though with his busy schedule at TVE, it may be a while before he has time to sit in it.
Throckmorton said his long career has been shaped by the people who welcomed him year after year at the Trinity Valley Exposition.
“I wouldn’t be here for 35 years without you guys,” he said. “You made it possible for me to be a part of this, and it’s like family down here when I come.”
For more on TVE events, go online to https://www.tvefair.com/.